Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of students who are affiliated with The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth.

What is the Youth Advisory Council?

Founded in 2009, the YAC (Youth Advisory Council) is comprised of high school students from Lower Merion, Harriton, Agnes Irwin, Baldwin, Barrack Academy, Haverford School, Friends Central, Kohelet Yeshiva High School, and Shipley, who come together to improve quality of life for youth in their community. YAC's mission is to establish a relationship between youth and adults to identify problems and develop solutions that benefit all sectors of our community.

YAC Accomplishments 2013-2014

In April, The Youth Advisory Council ran a two-day community event held at Suburban Square, dedicated to preventing distracted driving among teenagers. This event, "Put the Brakes on Distracted Driving" was co-sponsored by StreetSafe Driving Academy and featured student driving awareness videos and distracted driving simulators. In a recent survey done by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), it was found that 84% of students who drove at the time they took the survey admitted to driving distracted at least once or twice in the past year. This forum was conducted to address these staggering statistics.

YAC Accomplishments 2012-2013

Participated in and presented at "Teens Speak: Expanding Our View of What Success Means Today" by speaking about Drugs and Alcohol use, Peer and Romantic Relationships with teens and Technology, On-line Image and Body Image. This event enabled the community to see stress and success through the eyes of students.

YAC Accomplishments 2011-2012

Presented a panel discussion, "Talking Back," to parents and educators, commenting on risky behaviors raised in a recent survey of 2,200 students on the Main Line.

Sponsored a "Battle of the Burbs" student musical competition at Milkboy Coffeehouse in Ardmore.

Participated in a program to prepare parents for the "Transition to High School and Middle School."

Created a social media campaign to raise awareness of the new Pennsylvania "Good Samaritan" law that grants immunity to a youth who calls 911 to get medical attention for someone affected by alcohol.

YAC Accomplishments 2009-2011

Sponsored three "Battle of the Burbs" student musical competitions at Milkboy Coffeehouse.

Participated as advisers in a program to prepare parents for the "Transition to High School."

Promoted the safe ride home campaign: "Make the Call/Take the Call" in the community and at schools.

Served as a focus group to the Ardmore business association about attracting new retail, service and entertainment businesses that would appeal to youth.

Responsibilities

Engage in an open dialogue with adults who want to improve their understanding of young people.

Seek ideas from peers about ways to improve the quality of life for teens on the Main Line.